UNESCO chief condemns murder of journalist in the Philippines

24 February 2016  The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today called for an investigation into the murder of journalist Elvis Ordaniza in the Philippines earlier this month.

“I condemn the killing of Elvis Ordaniza,” said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova in a statement.

“Journalists must be able to carry out their work in reasonably safe conditions, which is why I urge the authorities to spare no effort in bringing its perpetrators to justice,” she added.

Mr. Ordaniza, a crime reporter for dxWO Power99 FM radio, was shot on 16 February in the town of Poblacion, in Mindanao.

UNESCO issues statements on the killing of media workers in line with Resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO Member States at the Organization's General Conference of 1997, entitled 'Condemnation of Violence against Journalists'.